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The 20th Special Operations Squadron (20 SOS) is part of the 27th Special Operations Wing at Cannon AFBmarker, New Mexicomarker. It operates CV-22 Osprey aircraft in support of special operations.

Mission

Conduct day or night low-level penetration into hostile enemy territory, to accomplish clandestine infiltration and exfiltration, aerial gunnery support and resupply of special operations forces throughout the world.

History

The 20th trained for aerial reconnaissance from, March 1942–December 1943, then went on to fly combat missions in the China-Burma-India Theater from, 31 January 1944–5 May 1945.
Emblem of the 20th SOS, the Pony Express
The squadron was reactivated as the 20th Helicopter Squadron (HS) in 1956 to perform traditional helicopter missions with H-21 for the Tactical Air Command. In 1965, the unit's CH-3E helicopters were transferred to Southeast Asia and the squadron began participating in unconventional warfare and special operations as the Pony Express. In 1967, when joined by the UH-1F/P helicopters formerly assigned to Project Lucky Tiger, they became the "Green Hornets." It was on one of these 20 HS missions that Captain James P. Fleming earned the Medal of Honor for heroism during combat.

The Green Hornets continued to perform unconventional warfare missions for seven years, until inactivation in 1972. Upon reactivation in 1976 at Hurlburt Fieldmarker, the unit mission remained unconventional warfare and special operations using UH-1N gunships and CH-3Es. The HH-53H Pave Low replaced the CH-3E in 1980, providing a long range, heavier lift helicopter capability. The crews used the Pave Low avionics to arrive over target on time and undetected, where they performed terminal operations wearing night vision goggles.

In 1983, the UH-1Ns began two years of support as part of then Vice President George Bush's South Florida Drug Enforcement Task Force, participating in Operation Bahamas, Antilles and Turks (BAT). The Op BAT Hueys flew hundreds of over-water missions from the Bahamasmarker before transferring to Homestead Air Force Basemarker, Floridamarker in 1985.

In 1986, the 20th flew the specially equipped and highly capable MH-53H Pave Low and started flying the upgraded MH-53J Pave Low III in 1988.

In December 1989, members of the 20 SOS were mobilized as part of a joint task force for Operation Just Cause, in Panamamarker.

The 20th was among the first units to deploy to Operation Desert Shield in August 1990, squadron crew members and aircraft led U.S. Army AH-64 Apaches in the air strike, opening the air war in Operation Desert Storm. A 20 SOS crew rescued U.S. Navy Lieutenant Devon Jones, logging the first successful combat rescue of a downed Airman since the Vietnam War. The crew earned the MacKay Trophy for their accomplishments.

Squadron personnel deployed in support of Operation Restore Democracy in Haitimarker, providing support to a National Command Authority resolution. Members of the 20th, participating in operations in Bosnia and Herzegovinamarker, went into harms way in attempting a rescue of two downed Frenchmarker crewmen, receiving two Purple Heart Medals and the Cheney Award.
20 SOS crews were also involved in the search and rescue operations resulting from the CT-43 crash in which Commerce Secretary Ron Brown and his party lost their lives. These same crews deployed shortly thereafter to support the American Embassy evacuations in Monroviamarker, Liberiamarker - airlifting more than 2,000 evacuees to safety. The squadron deployed crews and aircraft to Southwest Asia in support of United States Central Command and Operation Desert Thunder in February 1998. The Pave Low gave the theater commander a night, all-weather personnel recovery capability, unparalleled in the U.S. inventory.

In 1999, the Pave Low III's were upgraded to the MH-53M Pave Low IV. The M model brought more technology and superior avionics to the mission, furthering the capabilities and resources available to the crews flying the helicopter. These new technologies were battle tested during Operation Allied Force when the 20 SOS rescued downed pilots from an F-117 and an F-16, earning two Silver Stars and numerous Distinguished Flying Crosses.

In 2001, the 20th was quick to respond in the initial recovery efforts at The Pentagonmarker and Ground Zero in New York Citymarker supporting Operation Noble Eagle. Additionally, the 20th rapidly deployed in support of Operation Enduring Freedom, engaging in the fight against terrorism in Afghanistanmarker with continuing endeavors into Iraqmarker as the Global War on Terror continues.

To date, the Green Hornets have flown direct assaults on numerous high profile targets and effected the rescue and exfiltration of hundreds of US and allied soldiers. Included among these actions are the daylight medevac of 32 injured soldiers in the midst of a battle and the rescue of a downed aircrew deep in hostile territory, which earned the squadron its second MacKay Trophy.

Operations





Lineage

  • 20th Observation Squadron (Light) (1942)
  • 20th Observation Squadron (1942 - 1943)
  • 20th Reconnaissance Squadron (Fighter) (1943)
  • 20th Tactical Reconnaissance Squadron (1943 - 1956)
  • 20th Helicopter Squadron (1956 - 1968)
  • 20th Special Operations Squadron (1968 - Present)


Assignments



Bases stationed





Aircraft Operated



References

Notes

Bibliography



See also


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